Bedford has a surprising amount of independent retailers that make the town a fabulous place to live and shop. When Bridges Espresso Bar opened at Riverside Bedford it raised the bar for everyone else! Opening in September 2020 would have been a challenge for any hospitality business but it looks like the talented Bridges team have taken it in their stride and are deservedly thriving.
Finding Bridges
Riverside Square, Bedford MK40 1AR
Bridges Espresso bar is located in the Riverside Bedford complex near the town centre. Whether you enter the square from the Town side or cross over the river, you won’t fail to see Bridges standing proudly on the square with floor to ceiling windows across the whole frontage.
Bridges Espresso Bar Menu
Bridges has something to offer throughout the day. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, sweet treats, drinks – it has it all!
My top menu picks are:
- Chai Tea Latte (especially for takeaway on a cold crisp dog walk with Monty)
- Veggie Breakfast Ciabatta
- Hoi-sin mock duck wrap
- Mini jacket potatoes. I know they don’t sound the most exciting dish on the menu but a tasty warming plate that is worth ordering
- Something fizzy. The drinks menu will make sure you don’t go thirsty!
As a vegetarian I have been so impressed with the choices available to me on this menu and you can tell that meat-free dishes are very much not an after-thought!
If you have a sweet tooth then it’s worth trying some of fab-looking cakes on the counter. I haven’t got round to trying any yet but the Hazelnut coffee cake won’t escape me for too much longer!
Do you need to book?
Whilst you don’t need to book, I’d highly recommend it as Bridges is incredibly popular around main meal times and for evening drinks. If you don’t manage to get a seat then there is always the option to takeaway but book ahead and enjoy the atmosphere!
The shop at Bridges
When you visit, spend a couple of minutes looking at some of the local goodies that you can buy. Local sweet treats, honey, oils, coffee and more are situated next to the front counter. It’s always nice to see local businesses collaborating and it’s good to see the best-of-the-best sharing some shelf space together in the heart of town!
Events at Bridges
Keep an eye out for events that take place at Bridges. I haven’t been to one yet (2020 made sure of that!) but they have organised creative workshops such as wreath making with local artists and have no doubt that more will follow. Combined with their food and drink, I’m sure that they will be great evenings to share with friends.
Follow Bridges Espresso bar on Instagram to see what’s coming up and to secure your place.
Final Verdict
Just go, you won’t be disappointed!
I’ve previously covered other suggestions on where to eat, drink and explore in Bedford if you are interested in doing some more reading.
